Sunday, May 30, is the first of 2 Fish-for-Free Days in Pennsylvania this year. The second will be Sunday, July 4.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission annually designates a couple days during holiday weekends when anyone may legally fish in Pennsylvania without buying a fishing license or trout/salmon permit.
According to the agency, the goal of the free days is to encourage families to try fishing.
All other fishing regulations apply during the free days.
Wannabe anglers can even borrow the rods, reels, lines and tackle boxes stocked with hooks and other tackle needed to give it a try through the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, operated by the commission with the American Sportfishing Association and other sponsors.
State park offices, nature centers, libraries and other locations across the state have been supplied with the gear to loan out free “in much the same way books are borrowed from a library. Those wanting to borrow gear complete a form and the loan is made. At the end of the loan period the equipment is returned to the site.
Loaner sites can be found through this interactive map on the commission’s website.
The commission explained, “It’s hoped that those making the loans will enjoy fishing so much they are hooked for life.”
The equipment may also be loaned to groups conducting angler education programs in the community.
